Final answer:
Auguste Comte is known as the 'father of sociology' due to his foundational work in establishing the field as a recognized academic discipline.
Step-by-step explanation:
The theorist often referred to as the "father of sociology" and recognized for his work in establishing sociology as a recognized academic discipline is Auguste Comte. He coined the term 'sociology' in 1838 and believed that society could be studied using scientific methods, similar to the natural sciences. This belief led to the development of positivism, the idea that social scientists could eventually understand the laws governing society and address social issues. Comte's work laid the foundation for sociology as a formal academic field.